**FIRST EMAIL**/2008 FRC Connecticut "Double Regional"

[Mark McLeod]

Greetings Teams!

As FIRST continues to grow we are exploring ways to better accommodate increased numbers of teams. To that end we are planning to use the 2008 FRC Connecticut Regional as a prototype for a "Double Regional". The "Double Regional" will essentially be two FRC Regionals, conducted in two halls under the same roof, during the same weekend (3/13 - 3/15). This event structure allows FIRST to accommodate more teams while still providing those teams with the same award opportunities that would be provided at a single, regional competition.

Teams who register for the 2008 FRC Connecticut Regional would be randomly selected to participate at one of the two Regional Events. Both of the Regional Events would qualify for the 2008 Championship and all FRC Regional awards.

We encourage teams that have an interest in playing at the 2008 FRC Connecticut Regional to register now so that we can plan for a "Double Regional". Teams will be notified in mid-November when there is a final decision made as to whether or not FIRST will be conducting the 2008 FRC Connecticut Regional as a single or double event.

Go Teams!

[Elgin Clock]

Oh... wow... well... that's... umm... new. lol

So.. if I understand this correctly, it won't be a Super regional with teams meeting at the end from both fields on one field to decide a winner, but be two seperate events which just happen to be under the same roof?

Kind of like a mini Championship event setup... minus the finals at Einstein.

Wow... very intriguing.
I'm relieved I won't have to scout 70 teams at least in Hartford now. lol

Where does FIRST do revolutionary stuff?

IN DA CUTTT!!!!

I'm all for the Double Regional.


Now we just need cool names from Science history for the fields (maybe even from the Nutmeg state.)

[JohnBoucher]

I'm psyched. I believe we get more rounds this way. Nice Idea

[Kyle Fenton]

This is really good idea. The CCC has tons of floor space, but not enough height. Which meant that it was very crowded in the bleachers. This should help out a lot.

[Cory]

I think this would kind of be disappointing

A big part of where teams choose to go includes the teams that normally attend the event, or those that choose to do so in a given year.

I would be really disappointed if I went to an event to play with Wildstang, Beatty, the Thunderchickens, 1114, etc (insert any teams that you'd like to play with here) only to end up in the second regional while they're in the first.

I do agree it's nice that it would get you more rounds, and there's 2x the awards per weekend, but wouldn't it be simpler to just run two fields and have a super regional?

[KathieK]

The Kentfield's are PSYCHED!
Teams can be part of FIRST history by coming to the inaugural Double Regional - but only if enough teams sign up so they can split it! C'mon over to Connecticut, we'll have a great time!

[AcesPease]

Sounds Like a pretty cool idea to me. With the number of teams in NY and NE it would be nice to have another regional, but I wouldn't know where to host it. I believe Long Island, and New Hampshire are already full and Boston nearly so. This will give teams with moderate budgets the option to attend two regional events And the double awards is big because some of the awards (chairman's and engineering inspiration) are almost locked up at Connecticut as it stands.

[DanDon]

I think that I would rather a super regional. The double awards could pan out to be a good idea but you don't need a double regional to decide on two Chairman's Award winners. I much rather the varied field of play gained from a larger regional, speaking from experience of both small and large regionals. The only downside to a large regional is the greater competition to the choice awards and the relatively small number of qualifying rounds. These could be solved with double awards and a double field setup.

[Mark McLeod]

Originally Posted by KathieK

The Kentfield's are PSYCHED!
Teams can be part of FIRST history by coming to the inaugural Double Regional - but only if enough teams sign up so they can split it! C'mon over to Connecticut, we'll have a great time!

We're coming, we're coming...

It will be a "Super" Regional!

[T3_1565]

I like this idea a lot!! Yet as Cory said it may end up being dissapointing for some teams who want to play with / against certain teams. I think it would be better as a super regional al though I think there should be two winners just like there should be two of every award. The final two teams that face off at the end should both be awarded chances to go to Atlanta!. Just MHO.

[Greg Marra]

I agree that I'd rather see a Super Regional with two times as many awards as a "Double Regional."

What if CT1 is field resetting slower than CT2 and finishes the day an hour later? That sure makes the team social dynamic a bit odder. What if CT2 finishes eliminations first, because CT2 is going to lots of rubber matches? Will the awards be held on separate fields?

It seems like a lot of the opportunity for extra excitement is lost by splitting the event in two.

I'd like to see the "ultimate showdown" between the champions of CT1 and CT2, even if just for bragging rights. I'd be just like divisions at Nationals, where they'd represent your field, and even if they beat you earlier, goshdarnit you want them to beat the other guys.

[JohnBoucher]

Show what do you name double fields in Connecticut?

Since it'll be a circus, how about Barnum & Bailey

[Andy Grady]

Two regionals under one massive roof! All I have to say is, you better get in on this one...

Think of the possibilities folks. The sky is the limit on CT this year.

Midwest...I'm calling you out. You want to prove you are the best? CT 08 is where to do it.

I know I'll be there!

[KathieK]

Originally Posted by JohnBoucher

Since it'll be a circus, how about Barnum & Bailey

LOL, how about Nutmeg and Constitution?

[Richard Wallace]

Originally Posted by FIRST

Teams who register for the 2008 FRC Connecticut Regional would be randomly selected to participate at one of the two Regional Events. Both of the Regional Events would qualify for the 2008 Championship and all FRC Regional awards.

We encourage teams that have an interest in playing at the 2008 FRC Connecticut Regional to register now so that we can plan for a "Double Regional". Teams will be notified in mid-November when there is a final decision made as to whether or not FIRST will be conducting the 2008 FRC Connecticut Regional as a single or double event.

Originally Posted by KathieK

..Teams can be part of FIRST history by coming to the inaugural Double Regional - but only if enough teams sign up so they can split it! ...

This seems like a really good idea for an area like New England, where many teams are within a relatively short driving distance of the same venue.

Today there are 28 teams registered -- not enough to split the event. In about a week that should change.